S) "12 Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to His holy name."
Psalm 97:12 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 97
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 97
O) Like many Psalms do, this ends with an invitation to worship, serve, and fear the LORD. This last verse especially caught my attention, though, because the use of the phrase, "in the LORD," conceptually. What this verse is really saying, is to be in the LORD, and the how of it is gladness. But, the concept of being in God that way, is really what Jesus introduced. That was a big part of why the Pharisees sought His life, because for Him to declare that He was in the Father that way, was elevating Him to a holy stature (in their estimation) that was beyond Him. This concept of divine unity is what Jesus brought to fulfillment (see John 17:22-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-20). But, as much as this verse may seem to allude to these New Testament concepts, we must still be careful not to take this verse out of context. The other way to read this would be something along the lines of "let the gladness you have be in the LORD," making the gladness itself be placed within the LORD, and not the person having the gladness. In all likelihood, that is more along the lines of what the author thought. Even still, that principle is wisdom to the hearer.
A) It almost seems like these two concepts are actually two sides of the same coin, especially for me as a disciple of Christ. After all, if I am in Christ as a believer in Him, then I am in the LORD God. That being the case, my attitude in Him should certainly be glad! At the same time, God does not ask us to walk through this world with fake smiles, with whitewashed walls, and pretty facades. In fact, there are warnings against such self-deceiving lifestyles (e.g., Ezekiel 13). However, when I put my focus and attention, on the fact that I am in Christ, then gladness will be restored to me, overcoming my circumstances. There can certainly be mixed emotions (people are complex), but this is the type of gladness that defies negativity. I am righteous in Christ. I am glad in the LORD. I will give thanks to His holy name.
P) Father, the depths of Your grace continue to astound me. I suppose I may never become used to it. In fact, I pray that I never do, God, for fear that it would mean that I've taken the gospel for granted. Lord, there are many things in life that can sap my happiness. I have bad encounters at work, or looming debt, or an ailing body. Despite all of that, though, I also have the assurance that I am reconciled to my Creator. Help me to keep my focus where it should be, God. I want to rejoice always, being glad in You, LORD. Thank You for our relationship, which is by Your abounding grace. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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